GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic, have become highly effective treatments for diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and other conditions primarily driven by insulin resistance. Yet, amidst their growing popularity, concerns have arisen about the potential long-term risks associated with their use, particularly the fear of thyroid and pancreatic cancers. However, recent studies have come forward to dispel these anxieties, providing reassuring evidence of the safety of long-term GLP-1 use.
The Journal of Endocrinology Study
Several significant studies have shifted the narrative surrounding the safety of GLP-1 agonists. The first, published in the Journal of Endocrinology, is titled “Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes”. This study meticulously tracked patients on GLP-1 medication, searching for any links to pancreatic cancer. The findings were clear and unequivocal: there was no increased risk of pancreatic cancer among GLP-1 users, offering a sigh of relief to those relying on these medications for managing their conditions.
Parallelly, the European Medical Agency (EMA), an authority akin to the American FDA, released a report further cementing the safety of GLP-1 agonists. Recent findings from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) provide reassurance regarding the safety of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1) in relation to thyroid cancer. The EMA’s safety committee (PRAC) conducted a thorough review of available evidence and concluded that there is no causal link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and thyroid cancer.
The PRAC’s assessment was prompted by concerns raised in a study suggesting a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer among patients with type 2 diabetes using these medications. However, after reviewing data from published literature and cumulative information submitted by marketing authorization holders, the PRAC found no compelling evidence to support this association. Consequently, the committee has determined that no updates to product information are necessary based on the current data.
Scandinavian Study
The recent Scandinavian study, led by researchers at the prestigious Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, utilized extensive national registry data from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Analyzing information from approximately 145,000 patients prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists, predominantly semaglutide and liraglutide (marketed as Saxenda by Novo), alongside data from over 290,000 individuals receiving other diabetes medications, primarily DPP4 inhibitors, the study yielded significant insights. Spanning an average follow-up period of nearly four years, the findings revealed no notable increase in the risk of thyroid cancer among patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Moreover, this outcome held true even when comparing GLP-1 analogs with SGLT2 inhibitors, another prevalent class of diabetes drugs. Lead researcher Björn Pasternak from the Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medicine emphasized the study’s broad scope and robust evidence, asserting that it provides substantial support for the safety of GLP-1 analogs regarding the risk of thyroid cancer.
These findings are not just a win for the safety profile of GLP-1 agonists but also a significant stride towards alleviating the fears and concerns of millions who benefit from these medications. For years, the shadow of potential cancer risks has loomed large, causing hesitation among both patients and healthcare providers. The clarity provided by these studies is a monumental step in changing the conversation around GLP-1 agonists, focusing instead on their benefits and the quality-of-life improvements they offer.
In light of this new evidence, patients and physicians can feel more comfortable with the long-term use of GLP-1 agonists. While it’s always prudent to continue monitoring and researching these medications, the current data supports their safety, allowing many to continue their treatments without the added burden of fear.
References:
Dankner R, Murad H, Agay N, Olmer L, Freedman LS. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(1):e2350408. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.50408
European Medicines Agency, Meeting highlights from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) 23-26 October 2023, 27 Oct, 2023, https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/meeting-highlights-pharmacovigilance-risk-assessment-committee-prac-23-26-october-2023
Pasternak B, Wintzell V, Hviid A, Eliasson B, Jonasson C et al. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist use and risk of thyroid cancer: Scandinavian cohort study BMJ 2024; 385 :e078225 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-078225, https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj-2023-078225